The work on the Brazil–Paraguay and Brazil–Argentina customs offices, which are part of the Perimetral Leste highway complex, has reached 77,31% completion, according to the Paraná Highway Department (DER).
On the Paraguayan side, the customs office — built in Presidente Franco — is now ready and allows small cars to pass through the Integration Bridge, which connects the city to Foz do Iguaçu.
However, the circulation of vehicles still depends on the completion of the two customs offices located in Foz do Iguaçu.
The Brazil–Paraguay customs post is being built at the head of the Integration Bridge, and the Brazil–Argentina customs post is being built near the Fraternity Bridge, which connects Foz do Iguaçu and Puerto Iguazú.
At the customs office near Paraguay, in May, according to a report from the DER, the installation of internal finishes and metal cladding on the facades was being carried out. The construction of curbs and sidewalks in the yard also began.
At the customs entrance to Argentina, it is possible to observe the change in the landscape with the work that is on the side of the bridge. There, according to the DER, the work is focused on laying ceramic coatings, applying mortar coatings, and executing partitions in drywall and electrical and plumbing installations. Retaining walls are already being erected in the yard.
According to the Federal Revenue Service (RF), with the inauguration of the building, the current Brazilian customs building will be deactivated, but it is not yet known what will be done in the space.
A bridge waiting for two customs
Ready since 2023, the Integration Bridge depends on the completion of the two customs offices in Brazil and complementary works so that truck traffic can be released.
On the Paraguayan side, the customs office located in Presidente Franco, near the head of the bridge, is ready, and the Cargo Terminal of the National Port Administration (ANP), with 96% of the works completed, according to engineer Laura Arevalo, in charge of the Support Office of the Integration Bridge and the Metropolitan Corridor of the East.
The works on the Paraguayan side are part of the Metropolitan Corridor of the East, which included, in addition to the customs office, located three kilometers from the head of the Integration Bridge, five other complementary works.
Among these works, there are three highways, one of which starts at kilometer 17 of PY 02, in Minga Guazú, and continues to highway PY 07, in Los Cedrales.
Another important construction, essential to enable trucks to circulate across the Integration Bridge, is the bridge over the Monday River, which is 20% complete and is expected to be completed only in 2026.
“We are waiting for the Integration Bridge to be approved for the circulation of tourists, but the bridge over the Monday River for heavy trucks to cross has yet to be finished,” explains the engineer.
According to the Ministry of Public Works (MOC) of Paraguay, the complementary works, in both countries, would only be completed next year.
In Brazil, the DER reported that the Perimetral Leste works will be completed on November 30th of this year.
With an investment of approximately R$86 million until April of this year, the Perimetral Leste is 15 kilometers long. The highway will connect BR-277 to the Brazil-Paraguay Integration Bridge and the Tancredo Neves Bridge.
